St. Bernard’s Voices Foundation and Nunez Community College will present Barry Lemoine’s original play, The Somewhat True History of St. Bernard (Abridged): A Love Story at the NCC Auditorium on August 26, 27, and 28. Lemoine said that the play pays tribute to the colorful characters and events that have shaped the history of the parish. “To really love a place, you have to know about it,” Lemoine said. “And as the 6th anniversary of Katrina approaches and the disaster in the Gulf continues, I thought it was important to tell a story that celebrates St. Bernard and the place ...Read More
St. Bernard’s Voices Foundation and Nunez Community College will present Barry Lemoine’s original play, The Somewhat True History of St. Bernard (Abridged): A Love Story at the NCC Auditorium on August 26, 27, and 28. Lemoine said that the play pays tribute to the colorful characters and events that have shaped the history of the parish. “To really love a place, you have to know about it,” Lemoine said. “And as the 6th anniversary of Katrina approaches and the disaster in the Gulf continues, I thought it was important to tell a story that celebrates St. Bernard and the place we call home.” Lemoine, whose past theatre credits include An Evening with Betsy, Voices of Louisiana, and Bless Ya, Boys, will once again mesh history, humor, and heartache to tell this story. “I worked on this project last year with my theatre students at Chalmette High, and it was amazing to discover how much history there is here. A lot of us know about the Battle of New Orleans, but what about the slaughterhouse at Stockyard Landing or all of the casinos in Old Arabi? I want to bring the history alive in a fun and entertaining way.” Mary Burns, who was nominated with Lemoine for Big Easy awards for their work in An Evening With Betsy, will head the cast. “Mary is a gifted and comedic actress and one that the people of St. Bernard really relate with. It is through her eyes that many of the stories, both funny and poignant, will unfold.” And while Mary Burns will add her unique personality to the show, New York actor Ted McGuiness will return to the parish, starring as our Parish Historian, the true expert of St. Bernard history. McGuiness’ last role in St. Bernard was that of Uncle Sam in Shine Productions’ The Louisiana Pur-Chase, another romp through the pages of history. McGuiness said that he is excited to return to the parish. “I love the area and the people of St. Bernard so much. And as much as everyone here has gone through these last five years, it really is an honor to be a part of something special like this.” Joining Burns and McGuiness onstage will be some of Lemoine’s regular collaborators - members of Shine Productions resident acting troupe, Christian Bordelon and Will Schneider. The show will also include live music performed by Jude Leblanc and a video component. Tickets are $12 in advanced and $15 at the door and can be purchased at PJ’s Coffeehouse in Chalmette or by calling 504 301 8770. Lemoine said he welcomes all residents, past and present, to come celebrate St. Bernard. “We hope to see a lot of our friends and extended families out there as we attempt to sing this love song of our hometown
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